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Do you love reading? You have great opportunities to earn money by reading books in various ways. Here are some popular ways to earn money from reading books:
Publish book reviews on your blog: If you have a blog, you can write and publish reviews of best-selling books. In this way, you can earn money. When your blog grows, your income will increase.
Become a book proofreader: If you are good at English, especially in grammar, you can start book proofreading jobs and earn money. The demand for proofreading is now very high. You can get book proofreading jobs on job marketplaces like Flexjobs, LinkedIn, and freelance sites like Fiverr, Upwork, etc. The hourly pay rate is around $45-$50.
Become an Audio Narrator: If you have a clear speaking voice and like telling stories, you could also make an audio narrator. You’ll read scripts out loud, and your job will be.
Become a Book Reviewer: Book reviewers read books and write reviews about them. There are some website that offers paid book review opportunities.
The 10 Best Sites to Get Paid for Reading Books
1. Online Book Club – Perfect for Beginners
My friend started his paid reading journey with Online Book Club, and it’s still one of his favourite platforms. They connect readers with authors who need honest feedback on their books.
What you’ll earn: $4 to $48 per review
Here’s how it works:
- Sign up on their website (it’s free)
- Pick a book that catches your eye
- Read it and write a short review
- Get paid once approved
Each book requires 3-4 hours to review, providing decent pay for something.
Pro tip: Don’t sugarcoat your reviews. They want honesty, not flattery.
2. Reedsy Discovery – Build Your Reputation
Reedsy Discovery works differently. Instead of fixed payments, you earn tips from readers who appreciate your reviews.
What you’ll earn: $4 to $40 in tips per review (sometimes more)
What I love about Reedsy:
- You build a following over time
- Authors often reach out directly for paid work
- Great stepping stone to freelance writing gigs
To get started, create a reviewer profile and upload some sample reviews. Focus on genres you genuinely enjoy – your passion will shine through.
3. ACX – For the Aspiring Voice Artists
ACX isn’t about written reviews – it’s about bringing books to life through narration. If you’ve got a decent voice and some basic recording equipment, this could be your goldmine.
What you’ll earn: $40 to $160 per finished hour
Before you get excited, know this:
- You need proper recording equipment
- Each finished hour takes 3-6 hours to produce
- Competition is fierce for popular titles
But if you stick with it? Some narrators I know make this their full-time gig.
4. Booklist – The Professional’s Choice
Booklist caters to libraries and schools, so they need proper editorial reviews. It’s more formal than other sites, but the pay reflects that.
What you’ll earn: $12 to $40 per review
Getting accepted isn’t easy. You’ll need:
- Strong writing samples
- Professional references
- Patience during their selective application process
Think of Booklist as the stepping stone to serious book reviewing careers.
5. The US Review of Books – Quality Over Quantity
Despite the name, US readers are welcome here. They focus on thoughtful, detailed reviews that actually help readers make decisions.
What you’ll earn: $20 to $60 per review
What sets them apart:
- Strict quality guidelines
- Regular work for reliable reviewers
- Respect in the publishing industry
I’ve found their editors incredibly helpful in improving my reviewing skills.
6. Kirkus Reviews – The Big League
Kirkus is the heavyweight champion of book reviews. Getting accepted here is like getting into an exclusive club.
What you’ll earn: $40 to $60 per review (plus bonuses)
The application process:
- Submit your best writing samples
- Pass their reviewer test
- Start with a trial period
- Prove yourself for regular work
It’s tough, but worth it. Having “Kirkus Reviewer” on your CV opens doors.
7. BookBrowse – For the Thoughtful Reader
BookBrowse wants depth, not speed. They’re looking for reviews that dig into themes, characters, and meaning.
What you’ll earn: $40 to $80 per review
What makes them special:
- Focus on literary fiction
- Longer, more analytical reviews
- Smaller, quality-focused team
Perfect if you’re the type who loves book club discussions.
8. NetGalley – Your Training Ground
NetGalley doesn’t pay directly, but hear me out – it’s essential for building your reputation.
What you’ll earn: Free books (but invaluable experience)
What features:
- Access to books before they’re published
- Build your reviewer profile
- Network with publishers
- Create portfolio pieces
9. getAbstract – For the Business-Minded
Instead of reviews, getAbstract wants summaries of business and self-help books. It’s different, but lucrative.
What you’ll earn: $80 to $240 per summary
The skill here is condensing a 300-page book into a few pages without losing the essence. Not everyone can do it, which is why it pays well.
10. eBookFairs – Quick and Easy Money
eBookFairs keeps things simple. Read a book, write a review, get paid.
What you’ll earn: $8 per review (up to $40 total)
It won’t make you rich, but it’s perfect for:
- Testing the waters
- Building confidence
- Earning while you learn
Other Ways to Earn Money Reading
Become a Beta Reader
Beta readers give feedback before a book is published. You’re essentially the test audience.
Typical rates:
- Under 5,000 words: $40
- 5,000-10,000 words: $40 plus 1p per word
- Over 10,000 words: Negotiable
Join Facebook groups for beta readers and start networking. Authors are always looking for fresh eyes.
Try Sensitivity Reading
If you have specific cultural knowledge or life experiences, authors need your perspective to ensure authentic representation.
What you’ll earn: $40-$200 per manuscript
Build a simple website listing your background and expertise. Be specific about what you can offer.
Explore Book Translation
Speak another language? Translation work pays brilliantly, especially for popular genres.
What you’ll earn: $0.08-$0.15 per word
Start with shorter works to build your portfolio. Romance and mystery novels are always in demand.
Consider Proofreading
Proofreaders catch the tiny errors everyone else misses. It requires attention to detail but pays well.
What you’ll earn: $15-$30 per hour
Focus on one or two genres to become faster and more efficient.
Read also: 30 Best Work From Home Proofreading Jobs – Make Money By Correcting Spelling & Grammatical Errors
A Few Tips for Success
Start small: Don’t quit your day job yet. Build slowly.
Pick your niche: Specialising in specific genres makes you more valuable.
Be professional: Meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and follow guidelines.
Network actively: Join reader groups, follow publishers, and engage with authors.
Keep learning: The best reviewers never stop improving their craft.
Ready to Start Earning?
Getting paid to read books isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s absolutely real. Many people have turned their love of reading into a steady income stream, and you can too.
Start with one or two platforms that match your interests. Give it 3-5 months of consistent effort. Track what works, drop what doesn’t, and keep pushing forward.
Which platform are you going to try first? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your journey into the world of paid reading!
Remember, every professional book reviewer started exactly where you are now. The only difference? They took the first step.
Happy reading (and earning)!
Read also:
13 Ways to Get Paid to Read Books Aloud
How To Become A Proofreader – The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
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7 Legit Ways You Can Get Paid to Shop
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Lets say I was lucky to be informed through this website.. thank You